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loam range site is similar to the sagebrush type. Associated with the deteriorated range <br />condition is the high density of shrubs which occur on the site at the expense of the <br />herbaceous component. According to SCS range site descriptions and analysis of the baseline <br />vegetation data, shrub densities on the site are estimated to be higher than optimum. These <br />densities may be two to four times higher than the allowable amounts for optimum range <br />condition. Additionally, the northern portion of the permit area was burned in the last 10 to 20 <br />years which has encouraged extensive suckering in the mixed brush type and an increase in <br />mountain snowberry in the sagebrush type (see Tab 10, Appendix 10-91~ Aspen stands have <br />also been affected by livestock grazing, particularly sheep grazing. Many of the aspen stands <br />in the permit area have somewhat depauperate understory vegetation and a distinct lack of <br />regeneration. Existing stands are dominated by mature and decadent trees. These <br />observations are consistent with those in other areas of the west IDeByle and Winokur, 19851. <br />While diminished range condition can be attributed to livestock grazing, it is further <br />compounded by the ecological characteristics of the woody plant communities and the <br />livestock and wildlife utilization patterns occurring in these communities. The woody <br />component in these communities readily increases when the herbaceous component is reduced <br />in vigor or eliminated. <br />Cattle and sheep are not carried on the permit area during the winter months, thus eliminating <br />any winter browsing of woody species by livestock. Livestock grazing begins in late May or <br />early June. During the summer months, both cattle and sheep center their foraging preferences <br />on the more nutritious and palatable herbaceous species. While some browsing of the woody <br />species by livestock does occur during the summer, it is generally limited because of the <br />availability of succulent and more palatable species. In all, the woody component is favoreq in <br />these native stands. <br />In addition to livestock grazing, wildlife data for the permit area (see Tab 11, Wildlife Survey) <br />indicates that utilization of browse by big game is not excessive. The highest use of browse <br />by big game is expected to occur during the winter months. During the summer months, usa of <br />browse will drop and big game will concentrate on the more nutritious and palatable <br />herbaceous species. Again, the woody component may be favored. <br />The apparent light use of browse by big game and livestock, coupled with the ability of the <br />woody species to increase under livestock grazing, has resulted in higher woody plant <br />2 <br />